Mazda celebrates 20th anniversary with MX-5 Superlight

The special concept car dubbed the MX-5 Superlight is set to debut at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show

Touted as a "pure show car", the chances of a production variant ever reaching dealerships is extremely slim, and the MX-5 Superlight will most likely remain a commemorative token of the MX-5's birthday.

The MX-5 Superlight was designed by Mazda's in-house team in Germany. Unique cosmetic and structural changes include the lack of A-pillars, as well as the smooth front and rear decks, presumably used to help control airflow around the car.

In terms of powertrains, speculation is that either the 1.8-litre or the 2.0-litre petrol will be fitted, and with a raft of weight-saving measures put in place the Superlight will be much quicker than the standard model.

Over 860,000 units of the MX-5 have been sold in about 60 countries since it was first launched, making it the most popular two-seat sports car ever. Recently a special edition 20th Anniversary version was announced for the Japanese market.